This year's annual Chicago Green Festival taking place on May 14th and 15th at Chicago's McCormick Place Lakeside occurs as Green Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2011, with an updated interactive marketplace and countless learning opportunities designed to promote sustainability and interconnectivity within the green movement.
Green Festival is a joint project of Green America and Global Exchange, two cutting-edge nonprofits that have been dedicated to furthering environmental and social concerns for nearly 30 years.
The goal of the Green Festivals, which are playfully dubbed ''Parties with a Purpose,'' is to promote healthy living by addressing a wide variety of social, economic and environmental concerns.
The festival is family-friendly and will include presentations given by more than 125 leaders, authors and thinkers who are active in the green movement. Keynote speakers this year will include Amy Goodman, John Perkins, Dr. Sharif Abdullah, Colin Beavan, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Dr. Devra Davis and Hunter Lovins.
From educational how-to workshops, to films, activities for children and delicious organic food, beer and wine, the 2011 Chicago Green Festival will truly offer something for everyone to enjoy. Entertainment is another vital component of the festivities, including live music and dance.
There will also be a marketplace offering goods for sale from more than 300 local and national eco-conscious businesses and organizations.
Admission is easier than ever this year, with a number of innovative, affordable options that will appeal to large families and individuals. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at a discount, or at the door on the day of the event.
As part of the promotional efforts, all attendees will receive ''Green Festival Bucks'' which can be redeemed in the Green Marketplace. Free admission is also available by visiting regional Ford dealerships, thanks to Ford's role as a Resource Recovery Partner. In addition, a number of local nonprofit organizations will offer free admission to volunteers.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.greenfestivals.org.